Like most kids growing up in Canada, Dave wanted to play in the NHL. He was 25 and at a hockey training camp when his feet became so swollen he couldn’t get his skates on. On his way home, he almost caused a car accident because he was so dizzy. Next thing, Dave found himself in the emergency room. His kidneys were at 15 per cent capacity. He had to start dialysis immediately.

I thought I had the ﬂu,” says Dave. “And the next thing you know they’re telling me my kidneys are gone. I had no clue.”

For the next eight months, Dave lived on dialysis, three days a week, four hours at a time. He considers himself lucky for many reasons but mostly because he received a new kidney eventually, courtesy of his mom Mary.

It has been 14 years since the transplant and both Dave and his mom are thriving. Dave even went on to play six seasons as a back-up, practice goalie for the Toronto Marlies. “I want people to know that there are so many brilliant doctors at St. Mike’s who keep you going,” remembers Dave. “After I had my transplant, I experienced the best time of my life.”

St. Michael’s Hospital is celebrating 50 years since its kidney transplant program was established. In order to continue providing the care it is known for and investing in life-saving research, the Transplant and Kidney Care Centre at St. Michael’s Hospital is undergoing a physical transformation.